Meningeal Symptoms Research Articles

Demographic, clinical and epimiological features of otogenic intracranial complications at the present stage

The importance of the intracranial complications problem in acute and chronic focal processes of ENT organs is determined by their dominating position among the reasons of the fatal outcomes. The authors made retrospective analysis of all the clinical cases of inpatient treatment of 127 adult patients with acute and chronic otitis media, complicated with pyoinflammatory cerebral pathology. Chronical suppurative otitis media predominated in the general structure of the revealed otitis media pathology structure – 75 (59.0%) cases. Purulent meningitis was diagnosed in 52 (40.9%) received patients, in acute otitis it constituted 63.5% of the total intracranial complications, and in chronic otitis media – only 25.3%. Meningocephalitises have been diagnosed with equal frequency both in acute otitis media – 15.4%, and in chronic otitis media – 22.7%. Otogenic brain abscesses have been diagnosed only in 13.5% cases of acute suppurative otitis media, whilst in chronic suppurative otitis media they have been revealed twice more frequent – 33.3%. 124 (98%) patients underwent surgery due to otogenic intracranial complications. For the purpose of sanation of the primary focus of infection in the ear the following therapy was conducted: in acute supportive otitis media – extended mastoidotomy, antromastoidotomy; in chronic suppurative otitis media – extended radical ear surgery. In surgical therapy of otogenic brain abscess, craniotomy and complete removing of the brain abscess using advanced neuronavigation systems proved higher clinical efficacy compared to transtemporal access in the course of sanation intervention in the ear with the abscess incision and drainage. Nowadays, the main clinical features of otogeneous intracranial complications are: severe central nervous system inflammatory damage with prevalence of cerebral and meningeal symptoms, high severity of the general state of the patients with the development of purulent septic complications with mortality level.

Detection and management of the first human anthrax outbreak in Togo.

The aim of this study was to describe and define an outbreak of human anthrax in two villages in the northern savannah region of Togo. In December 2009, localised groups of deaths occurred among villagers and their livestock, confirmed to be due to anthrax at the district hospital of Dapaong in Northern Togo. The National Disease Control department undertook an investigation to describe the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological characteristics of this outbreak. Thirty-four individuals presented with clinical manifestations of anthrax. All patients were known to have consumed meat from cattle who had died of unknown causes or had been killed as a result of unknown illness. All patients presented with muco-cutaneous lesions; some had gastro-intestinal, neurological or meningeal symptoms, or septicaemia. One patient was co-infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Six deaths (17.6%) were reported at the beginning of the epidemic; 28 patients were successfully treated with a 10-day course of intravenous Penicillin or oral Amoxicillin. The two factors that contributed to the ultimate resolution of the anthrax outbreak were the increase of community awareness toward health promotion and vaccination of all farm animals. Although six deaths occurred among families' members who were infected, new human anthrax cases were prevented by rapid treatment of victims as well as aggressive public health interventions. However the risk of re-emergence of infection and exposure still exists as there are no existing epidemiological mapping and no identification of infected zones; and furthermore, no functional anthrax surveillance system exists in the affected region.

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis Originated from Breast Cancer

Malignant melanoma, breast cancer and lung cancer are the most causative malignancies of leptomeningeal carsinomatosis (LC). A LC case that was previously diagnosed as tuberculosis meningitis, is presented here to emphasize the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in patients applied to the hospital with meningeal irritation symptoms. A 35-year-old woman was suffering from a severe headache and photophobia. Physical examination revealed nuchal rigidity but Kernig’s and Brudzinski signs were negative. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were 171 cells/mm3 (lymphocytic predominance), elevated protein levels, decreased glucose. Atypical cells were detected in CSF cytology. The result of breast biopsy was in accordance with breast lobular carcinoma nuclear grade III. LC, usually developes in patients who have a known primary malignancy. As it occured in our case; in up to 10%-20% of cases, however, symptoms caused by LC may emerge before the diagnosis of the primary tumor. It should remember that meningitis may not be always infectious originated. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2015;5(3): 133-136 Key words: leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid cytology

THE COURSE OF TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS IN PERSONS OF ADVANCED AGE

The article describes a course of tick-borne encephalitis in patients of advanced age. We rarely met two-wave fever in these patients; quite long period of apyrexia is specific for them Eyeball pain and meningeal symptoms were seen in these patients less often than in other age groups. Concurrent infection is most typical and high risk of lethal outcomes is common for this group of patients. It can be explained by existence of serious comorbid conditions, lack of specific prevention and by late initiation of specific treatment .All these factors have to be taken into account during hospitalizing elderly persons with neurologic symptoms, especially in endemic regions on TBE from May till September.

Clinical - pathogenetical features of Cryptococcus meningoencephalitis in patients with HIV infection

The purpose of research - the study of clinical and pathogenetical features of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) in patients with HIV infection for the improvement of the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods. There are presented the results of the study of 67 cases of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in patients with HIV infection. There was performed an assessment of the clinical picture and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which was consisted of direct microscopy, cultural method and PCR. Also pathomorphological data of deceased patients have been analyzed. Results of the study. The clinical picture of CME was mildly pronounced and not constant. Dominant complaint is constant headache diffuse in character. Meningeal symptoms are uncertain or absent. CSF changes are not specific, most informative methods are PCR and mycological study of CSF. The fatality was causedfirst ofall by the development of edema-brain swelling and the dislocation of stem structures. Conclusion. The clinical picture of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is caused first of all by destructive processes in brain tissue and progression of the development of edema-brain swelling. The clinical picture is poorly pronounced and is not constant, therefore to all patients with HIV infection in the presence of long-term headache the CSF examination is indicated even in the absence of meningeal symptoms.

MODERN CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FEATURES OF ENTEROVIRAL MENINGITIS

Among numerous viral meningitises from 80% to 90% of cases are accounted for meningitis of enteroviral etiology according to the international data. Despite the favorable disease course, there are forms which are characterized by severe damage of CNS. In order to improve diagnostics of enteroviral meningitis in this article we have made a comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters in 23 patients with enteroviral meningitis and 18 patients with serous meningitis of non-enteroviral etiology.Anamnesis data and the major clinical manifestations of the disease dynamics were analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the comparison of diagnoses, by which patients were sent to infectious hospital, the symptoms that occurred during patients’ admission into hospitals and their severity. The presence and severity of meningeal symptoms and the indices of cerebrospinal fluid in the patients of the comparison group were analyzed in detail.It is shown that enteroviruses are the important factor in the development of meningitis in the children of younger age. The clinical picture of enteroviral meningitis often develops gradually for 2-3 days and includes the typical syndromes: intoxication and meningeal ones. Every third patient with enterovirus infection has diarrhea and catarrhal symptoms, that’s why it is difficult to diagnose meningitis in its early stages, but it allows to assume enteroviral etiology of the disease. The meningitis of enteroviral etiology is characterized by multiple meningeal signs, while the non-enteroviral meningitis is characterized by dissociation with the prevalence of the of Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s symptoms.The analysis of the laboratory data showed that the enteroviral meningitis is characterized by low (over 50-100 cells) mixed pleocytosis (the ratio of lymphocytes and neutrophils is about 1:1).These data can be used for differential diagnosis between enteroviral meningitis and serous meningitis of non-enteroviral etiology.

Strabismus and diplopia in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.

Patient: Male, 64Final Diagnosis: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)Symptoms: —Medication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: —Objective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a sporadic presenting finding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) both at diagnosis and at relapse. Moreover patients with CNS localization are often asymptomatic, while sometimes show meningeal signs and symptoms or, extremely rarely, signs of cranial nerve impairment.Case Report:Here we report on a patient with refractory AML who suddenly developed strabismus and diplopia. Both neurological and ophtalmologic examinations were suggestive of a bilateral VI cranial nerve palsy. Noteworthy, both a cranial CT and MRI were substantially normal, while a rachicentesis was performed and cerebrospinal fluid examination was clearly suggestive of a meningeal involvement by AML.Conclusions:This is to our knowledge the first reported case in which the clinical picture of meningeal localization in an AML patient was dominated by an isolated abducens cranial nerve impairment. Moreover it highlights as unexplained strabismus and diplopia can be considered as a potential sign of CNS involvement, even if conventional imaging is negative.

The use of antibiotics and their influence on course and outcome of bacterial meningitis in children before diagnosing it

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infective disease caused by different bacteria during which purulent pyorrhea is created in a subarachnoid space. In clinical terms, it is represented with the appearance of meningeal symptoms and signs. Neither recent years' success accomplished in treatment of bacterial meningitis nor the best organized treatment provide an optimistic prognosis in sick children. Our research was conducted in 91 children with bacterial meningitis. Before diagnosing bacterial meningitis, 50 patients ( 54.9% ) were treated with antibiotic therapy. In this group, 21 patients ( 42% ) showed complications in disease manifested with convulsions in 13 patients (26 % ). In the same group, 29 patients ( 58 % ) had a complete recovery after the treatment while 8 patients ( 16 % ) had sequele. In 41 patients ( 45 % ) without previous antibiotic treatment, complications are registered in 25 patients ( 60.9 % ) as follows: 18 patients ( 43.9 % ) had early complications while 7 patients ( 17.1 % ) had sequele. 16 patients ( 39 % ) had a complete recovery in this group. Complications and sequele are more common in the group of sick children without antibiotic therapy before diagnosing bacterial meningitis. However, the presence of sequele in the group of children which were treated with antibiotics before completed diagnostics showed that treatment of bacterial meningitis must be done in a more effective way as well as an early antibiotics treatment.

Neurocysticercosis in a 23-year-old Chinese man

Patient: Male, 23Final Diagnosis: NeurocysticerosisSymptoms: Diplopia • fever • headache • insomnia • neck stiffness • vomitingMedication: AlbendazoleClinical Procedure: —Specialty: NeurologyObjective:Challenging differential diagnosisBackground:Neurocysticercosis is a brain infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia (T.) solium. It is the most important parasitic disease of the human central nervous system and represents the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries.Case Report:Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old Chinese man who presented to the emergency department with a 7-day history of helmet headache radiating to the nuchal region and associated with vomiting, confusion, and fever. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was clear, with increased pressure, lymphocytic pleocytosis, decreased glucose, and increased protein levels. Bacterial antigen detection test on CSF was negative, as were CSF bacterial and fungal cultures. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotic and antiviral therapy, the patient still complained of insomnia, diplopia, headache, neck stiffness, and pain in the sacral region. A second LP was performed and CSF had the same characteristics as the first LP. A brain and spinal cord MRI revealed widespread arachnoiditis and small septated cysts with CSF-like signal in the cisterna magna, within the fourth ventricle, and at the level of L3–L4. Cysticercus-specific immunoglobin G antibodies were detected by ELISA in the CSF. The patient received albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (5 mg/day) for 4 weeks, with progressive resolution of neurological symptoms.Conclusions:This case shows that, even if rare, neurocysticercosis may be responsible for meningeal symptoms and should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients from endemic countries.

An Immunocompetent Patient With a Vesicular Rash and Neurological Symptomatology

Viral infection is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis with the majority in the United States being caused by enteroviruses. In viral meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a mild pleocytosis with a lymphocytic predominance , elevated protein and normal glucose level. Nucleic acid amplification methods have greatly improved the detection of viral pathogens. In our case, a 47-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a persistent throbbing headache for six days, localized to the frontal area, associated with photophobia, exacerbated by bright lights and loud noises. Physical examination revealed nuchal rigidity and a vesicular rash at the right T4-T6 dermatome region. CSF findings were consistent with aseptic meningitis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for VZV. Clinical improvement in meningeal signs and symptoms occurred after the initiation of acyclovir to complete a total 10 day course. There are no published data revealing that acyclovir will modify the course of VZV meningitis, but it is important to recognize the potential clinical benefit with the early initiation of antiviral therapy, especially if a zoster rash is discovered on examination. However, this is rarely the case because the majority of VZV meningitis will not present with a rash. Even though the reactivation of VZV is not usually associated with clinical meningitis; it is important to consider VZV in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting without a rash with CNS disease. PCR has been proven to be useful and quick diagnostic tool in the early diagnosis of VZV associated neurological disease. J Med Cases. 2013;4(9):620-622 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1405w

Cryptococcal encephalopathy without persisting cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, a diagnostic challenge: Case report and review of the literature

Central nervous system (CNS) invasion by Cryptococcus neoforans is typically associated with subacute or chronic meningitis in he setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection or other mmunocompromised states [1]. Less frequently, C. neoformans ay cause meningitis in individuals without known immune defiiency [1,2]. In rare individuals, C. neoformans infection may cause cogniive failure or confusional psychosis without meningeal symptoms 3–9]. Here we report a patient in whom C. neoformans produced a rolonged, encephalopathic illness, with initial, mild cerebrospinal uid (CSF) pleocytosis but then with normal CSF except for signifiantly elevated protein. After multiple negative CSF fungal cultures nd cryptococcal antigen determinations C. neoformans was idenified by positive cryptococcal antigen and India Ink preparation in

Aseptic meningoencephalitis mimicking transient ischaemic attacks

To highlight meningoencephalitis as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) mimic and suggest clinical clues for differential diagnosis. This was an observational study of consecutively admitted patients over a 9.75-year period presenting as TIAs at a stroke unit. A total of 790 patients with TIAs and seven with TIA-like symptoms but a final diagnosis of viral meningoencephalitis were recognised. The most frequent presentations of meningoencephalitis patients were acute sensory hemisyndrome (6) and cognitive deficits (5). Signs of meningeal irritation were minor or absent on presentation. Predominantly lymphocytic pleocytosis, hyperproteinorachia and a normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose index (in 5 out of 6 documented patients) were present. Meningeal thickening on a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was the only abnormal imaging finding. Six patients received initial vascular treatment; one thrombolysed. Finally, six patients were treated with antivirals and/or antibiotics. Although neither bacterial nor viral agents were identified on extensive testing, viral meningoencephalitis was the best explanation for all clinical and laboratory findings. Aseptic meningoencephalitis should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting as TIA. The threshold for a lumbar puncture in such patients should be set individually and take into account the presence of mild meningeal symptoms, age and other risk factors for vascular disease, the results of brain imaging and the basic diagnostic work-up for a stroke source.

An Immunocompetent Patient With a Vesicular Rash and Neurological Symptomatology

Viral infection is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis with the majority in the United States being caused by enteroviruses. In viral meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a mild pleocytosis with a lymphocytic predominance , elevated protein and normal glucose level. Nucleic acid amplification methods have greatly improved the detection of viral pathogens. In our case, a 47-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a persistent throbbing headache for six days, localized to the frontal area, associated with photophobia, exacerbated by bright lights and loud noises. Physical examination revealed nuchal rigidity and a vesicular rash at the right T4-T6 dermatome region. CSF findings were consistent with aseptic meningitis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for VZV. Clinical improvement in meningeal signs and symptoms occurred after the initiation of acyclovir to complete a total 10 day course. There are no published data revealing that acyclovir will modify the course of VZV meningitis, but it is important to recognize the potential clinical benefit with the early initiation of antiviral therapy, especially if a zoster rash is discovered on examination. However, this is rarely the case because the majority of VZV meningitis will not present with a rash. Even though the reactivation of VZV is not usually associated with clinical meningitis; it is important to consider VZV in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting without a rash with CNS disease. PCR has been proven to be useful and quick diagnostic tool in the early diagnosis of VZV associated neurological disease. J Med Cases. 2013;4(9):620-622 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1405w

An Immunocompetent Patient with a Vesicular Rash and Neurological Symptomatology

Viral infection is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis with the most frequent virus associated with aseptic meningitis being enteroviruses (coxsackievirus and echovirus). In viral meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a mild pleocytosis with a lymphocytic predominance, elevated protein, and normal glucose level. Nucleic acid amplification methods have greatly improved the detection of viral pathogens. In our case, a 47-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a persistent throbbing headache for six days, localized at the frontal area, associated with photophobia, and exacerbated by bright lights and loud noises. Physical examination revealed nuchal rigidity and a vesicular rash at the right T4–T6 dermatome region. CSF findings were consistent with aseptic meningitis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for VZV. Clinical improvement in meningeal signs and symptoms occurred after the initiation of acyclovir to complete a total 10-day course. There are no published data revealing that acyclovir will modify the course of VZV meningitis, but it is important to recognize the potential clinical benefit with the early initiation of antiviral therapy, especially if a zoster rash is discovered on examination. However, this is rarely the case because the majority of VZV meningitis will not present with a rash. Even though the reactivation of VZV is not usually associated with clinical meningitis, it is important to consider VZV in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting without a rash with CNS disease. PCR has been proven to be a useful and quick diagnostic tool in the early diagnosis of VZV-associated neurological disease.

Paranasal Sinus CT Scan Changes in Children with Meningitis: A Cross Section Study, Tehran, IRAN

Background: Meningitis is the most common intracranial complication of sinusitis. Objective: Determine the frequency of sinusitis using CT scans in children with documented meningitis. Methods and materials: A prospective, cross sectional study was done in pediatric infectious ward of Rasul Hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2010-2011. In this study 65 cases with meningitis were evaluated for presence of sinusitis (according to symptoms, criteria and paranasal CT scan). Results: CSF obtained in 112 cases. Cases with meningitis aged 1 month-16 years old with a mean of 4.2 years. Definite bacterial meningitis was the final diagnosis in 40/112 patients (35.7%; missing=5). Second step: Paranasal sinus CT scan had been performed in 65 cases with final diagnosis of meningitis. Cases were between 1 month to 16 years old (mean age of 4.2 y). 51% of the patients were male and 49% were female. Bacterial meningitis was diagnosed in 55.3% (36/65) and aseptic meningitis in 44.7% (29/65). Sinuses were reported to be undeveloped in 7.6% (n=5) of younger than 4 months old cases. Sinusitis was diagnosed in 30.7% (20/65) of all cases with meningitis; 3.4% (1/29) in those with aseptic meningitis and 52% (19/36) in those with bacterial meningitis which shows significant difference between the 2 groups (P<0.05). The involved sinuses included: pan sinusitis with 15% (3/20) case. Maxillary sinusitis the most common type observed (16/20); on the next places comes; sphenoid sinusiti (7/20); ethmoeid sinusitis (4/20) and finally isolated frontal sinusitis was seen in 0% of cases. Chronic type of sinusitis was reported in 50% (n=10) of all cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of sinusitis in documented cases of meningitis (septic & aseptic meningitis) was 31%, and was more common (25%) in bacterial meningitis. Meningeal manifestations (e.g. meningeal signs and symptoms; or CSF changes) might be due to bacterial sinusitis. Most cases of meningitis in children are accompanied with sinusitis. Differentiation between the two sources and definition of the initial site of infection is always problematic. Appropriate bacterial sinusitis treatment is needed to prevent meningitis. We recommend sinus tract to be evaluated in every meningitis patient (septic or aseptic). Furthermore, adequate treatment in chronic sinusitis would help prevent readmission.

HHV6: Clinical and Laboratorial Investigation and Correlation with Cases of Encephalitis in Liver Recipients

Background: HHV-6 disease or its symptoms have been described in few reports. Objective: The aim of the present study was to observe the presence of encephalitis in liver transplant patients with antigenemia or positive PCR for HHV6. Methods: Medical records and laboratory results from 20 recipients with antigenemia or positive PCR for HHV6 from the Unit of Liver Transplantation of UNICAMP (Campinas, Brazil) were analyzed. The range of period of the transplant date was from September 1996 to March 2010, when 439 transplants were performed. The correlation impact of HVV-6 infection and encephalitis was evaluated through medical records of the patients included in the study. The period of the medical records was from the date of the transplant up to one year after. Regarding encephalitis reported by the patients it was considered the following symptoms: fever, meningeal symptoms, confusion, seizures, language, visual and hearing impairment, sensorial alterations and motion alterations. It was considered “possible encephalitis” the patients who presented at least two of the symptoms above cited. No PCR nor antigenemia for HHV-6 were done in the central nervous liquid. Results: Symptoms associated to encephalitis occurred in seven patients. Five of them presented with fever and three presented with confusion. The involuntary movements were present in one case. In our study the symptoms appeared early in the first ten day in six patients and they lasted until one year.Table: [HHV6 symptoms after liver transplantation]Conclusion: This study showed that the symptoms associated to encephalitis occurred in a considerable number of patients (seven out of twenty) with positive PCR and/or antigenemia for HHV-6 after liver transplantation. Nevertheless, being it a retrospective study, complementary exams could not be performed to confirm the diagnosis of encephalitis associated to HHV-6. Therefore, the theme remains pertinent and needy of posterior studies for a more specific association.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in treatment of hydrocephalus.

IntroductionEndoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive method of treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus (HCP).AimTo investigate perioperative and intraoperative difficulties, failures and complications of ETV.Material and methodsSeventy-three procedures of ETV were conducted in our department in the last 5 years on 69 patients with HCP of different etiology. In 4 patients we performed ETV twice. In 4 cases we used neuronavigation. In 6 cases ETV was performed in conjunction with endoscopic biopsy of the tumor. In 6 cases we had to repeat the procedure (4) or implant a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (2) due to recurrence of symptoms.ResultsIn our series we had 3 important complications: one thalamic injury and 2 intraventricular hemorrhages. In 4 cases we observed postoperative hyperthermia with the presence of meningeal symptoms. Two cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were secured with additional stitches and 2 CSF infections were treated with antibiotics. In 1 patient epileptic seizers were observed. Three others complained of nausea and vomiting. The initial success rate of ETV is 70%.ConclusionsBased on our material we conclude that ETV is a useful and helpful procedure in non-communicating HCP. It carries 4% perioperative risk of serious complications which can be reduced by proper selection of patients, detailed plan and skilful performance of surgery in experienced hands and meticulous postoperative care.

Aseptic meningitis after transsphenoidal management of Rathke’s cleft cyst: case report and review of the literature

Aseptic meningitis after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for treatment of Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is a rare complication caused by the leakage of the cyst contents within the subarachnoid space. We present a case of aseptic meningitis occurring after TSS for a RCC. During surgery, the cyst wall was subtotally removed, and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was observed. The patient developed meningeal signs and symptoms on the first postoperative day. CSF examinations were highly suggestive of aseptic meningitis. Histological examination confirmed a granulomatous inflammatory reaction of the RCC wall. Preexisting inflammation, subtotal cyst wall resection, intraoperative erosion of the diaphragma sellae and placement of a lumbar drain may be risk factors for the development of aseptic meningitis.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with Cryptococcus neoformans infection in AIDS patients

Cryptococcosis is frequently associated to the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in AIDS patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This study aimed to evaluate clinical and evolutive features of IRIS associated cryptococcosis patients in Uberaba, Brazil. Eighty-one AIDS individuals admitted at the teaching hospital with cryptococcal meningitis were evaluated and from these, 40 were prospectively followed. Of 40 patients with cryptococcosis, nine (22.5%) presented clinical and laboratory features of IRIS. Six (66.6%) were male, with a mean age of 37.2. Five (55.5%) presented cryptococcosis as first AIDS defining condition. In seven (77.9%) IRIS was characterised as a relapse of meningeal symptoms after 10 weeks, mean time of 72 days, of starting HAART whereas, two asymptomatic patients developed the syndrome as an unmasked cryptococcosis after 10 and 12 weeks on HAART. Lymphadenitis as isolated finding associated with IRIS was evidenced in three cases. All patients presented low CD4(+) and high RNA viral load baseline values. Cultures of cerebrospinal fluid and lymph-node fragments tissues of these cases were negative. Six of nine individuals developed high intracranial pressure requiring a daily relief lumbar puncture. No deaths occurred during the evolution of these patients. The incidence and clinical evolutive profile observed in this case series are in accordance with other reports elsewhere.

Red Puffy Ears

A 63-year-old man with a history of recurrent aseptic meningitis presented with fever and headache. The physical examination showed scleral injection and mild nuchal rigidity. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed a mild monocytic pleocytosis indicative of aseptic meningitis. Despite supportive care, the patient had persistent fevers, anorexia, and headache. During treatment, marked bilateral auricular swelling and redness developed (Panel A). Auricular biopsy showed inflammatory changes that are seen in relapsing polychondritis. The administration of a corticosteroid improved the meningeal symptoms and reduced the auricular swelling (Panel B) within a few days. Relapsing polychondritis is a rare rheumatologic disorder that . . .